Origin & history
All Saints' Day originated in the early Christian church, initially celebrated on May 13. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved it to November 1 to coincide with the dedication of a chapel in St. Peter's Basilica to all saints. The holiday spread throughout Europe, including Belgium, where it became a day to honor not only officially canonized saints but all faithful departed. In Belgium, the tradition of visiting graves and decorating them with chrysanthemums became prominent in the 19th century, influenced by Roman Catholic practices.
Customs & traditions
In Belgium, All Saints' Day is a solemn public holiday. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of loved ones with chrysanthemums, evergreens, and candles. Many attend special church services, and schools and businesses are closed. The day before, Halloween has gained some popularity, but the focus remains on the religious and respectful commemoration of the dead. Traditional foods include special pastries like 'allerheiligenkoeken' (saint's cookies) in some regions.
Why it is celebrated
All Saints' Day holds deep religious and cultural significance in Belgium as a day to honor all saints, known and unknown, and to remember deceased family members. It reinforces community bonds through shared rituals of remembrance and underscores the Catholic belief in the communion of saints. For many Belgians, it is a time of reflection and connection with their heritage and faith.